Grand Rapids, Michigan
GILL - Raymond Vincent "Ray" Gill, age 85, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Sunday, October 30, 2011. He was born on April 5, 1926 in Lorain, Ohio where he graduated from high school in 1944. He then enlisted in the U.S. Army and served in the 76th Infantry Division and participated in The Battle...
Read MoreDear Helen, Mark, and Keith,
I only found out today, the day of the funeral. Very sorry to hear! Of course you know I've known Ray since I was a pre-schooler, and have known all of you since the mid-60s. He was a very talented and personable guy. I feel he enriched the lives of both my parents as well. His loss will definitely be felt by many.
My condolences to you!
John Sullivan
November 06, 2011 | Webster, NY
To the Ray Gill family,
We send our sincere condolences on the passing of Ray. He was our colleague and friend at GRCC.
He also had a tremendous influence on our son, Joe, He taught him how to play the clarinet, and also instilled a lifetime love of many other musical instruments. Joe now is a musician/actor in NY and soon will be in a major musical performance. It all began with Ray.
We will always hold him dear.
Philip and Joan Jung
November 04, 2011
Mr Gill was my teacher at G.R.J.C. He was an awesome mentor. I will never forget the concert we performed with Jimmy Forrest and Al Grey.
Chuck Tolhurst (bari sax), East Lansing, MI
November 03, 2011
Mr. Gill was my teacher at Northeast Junior High School. He always challenged me to be a better musician. He spent time with me almost every day after school. I appreciated his generous mentoring.
Jim Winslow
November 03, 2011 | Grand Rapids, MI
My condolences to the Gill family and to all Ray's friends who will miss him. I was at Union Jr. High when Ray first came here to teach. I spent five years with him and learned a lot. Later in life I was fortunate enough to get to work with him occasionally in local groups and his small groups. I will always be thankful for those lessons I learned. I'll always remember Ray for knowing more about reeds than anyone I ever saw. He had more "tricks" for salvaging reeds than anyone could have...
Evans DeVries
November 03, 2011 | Wyoming, MI
Helen, Mark & Keith, So sorry for you loss. Ray was a very talented man and I am sure heaven 's band now has another saxophone player. May he rest in peace.
Rose, Gabes, And Nicole Hensch
November 03, 2011
Dear Helen, Mark and Keith,
I am so sorry. Ray was such a great guy and a wonderful neighbor. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Nancy McKnight
November 02, 2011 | Chicago, IL
My thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to Helen and all of Ray's family. He was an exceptional man. It was a privilege knowing him.
Diane Dalm
November 02, 2011 | Grand Rapids, MI
Helen
November 02, 2011
